A tachograph is a device used in vehicles that displays and records drivers’ actions, vehicle speed, and distance traveled. It is used especially in commercial vehicles and is necessary to regulate the driver’s working hours and rest periods.
The main purpose of these devices is to increase the safety of road transport and ensure that drivers do not exceed the set driving time. Thus, it ensures that drivers use vehicles in accordance with traffic and safety rules.
How do tachographs work?
Tachographs are usually mounted on the car dashboard and consist of various components such as GPS, speed sensor and driver card reader. While the car is moving, the tachograph is automatically activated and starts recording the following data:
- Driving time: records how long the driver has been behind the wheel.
- Rest time: records how long the driver rested.
- Speed: Records the speed of the vehicle.
- Distance traveled: records the distance the vehicle has traveled.
- Driver Activity: records what the driver is doing (driving, resting, taking breaks, etc.).
These data are recorded on the driver’s card and in the tachograph memory. Authorities may use this data for purposes such as accident investigations, inspections and monitoring of driver performance.
In which vehicles are tachographs mandatory?
In European and EU countries, the use of tachographs is mandatory in the following vehicles:
- Trucks and tractors weighing more than 3.5 tons
- Buses carrying more than 9 passengers
- Vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Types of tachographs
- Analog tachographs: Use a traditional clock mechanism and the data is printed on a piece of paper.
- Digital tachographs: This is a more modern system that records data digitally. Stores data on a memory card or other digital medium.
Tachograph legislation
- Obligations for commercial vehicles: In most countries, the use of tachographs in commercial vehicles is a legal obligation.
- Driver standards: Tachograph data is checked to ensure that drivers do not exceed the permitted driving time.
- Controls and inspections: authorities regularly check tachograph data and, if necessary, initiate criminal proceedings.
Advantages of the tachograph
- Safety: Improves road safety by regulating drivers’ rest and driving time.
- Regulation and management: This is an important driver and vehicle management tool for transport companies.
- Legal Compliance: Helps businesses avoid legal problems by ensuring compliance with the law.
Tachographs are an important tool that improves safety, regulation and efficiency in the commercial transportation industry. They make a positive contribution to overall road safety by ensuring that drivers and businesses comply with the law.
Violation of the tachograph
There are many laws and regulations regarding the use of tachographs. Drivers who do not comply with these laws can be fined and even disqualified.